At a Glance

Observe one of the most miraculous natural phenomena on the planet: the 5,000-mile winter migration of gray whales to the Baja Peninsula to mate and deliver their calves. Journey from San Diego into Mexico to trace the migration and lifecycle of the gray whale.

Activity Level

Active

Walking short distances on varied terrain. Boarding small fishing boats from pier and beach, possibly wading into water knee high. Driving on graded road one hour. Driving time on bus from 1.5-5 hours daily. Elevations up to 3,500 feet.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Aboard a 12-person fishing boat, get within an arm’s length of a pod of gray whales.

Visit the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to learn about whales with marine biologists.

In the deserts of Baja, examine the bizarre boojum tree, towering cardon cactus, contorted elephant tree and other endemic plants.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Isabel Sanchez

Isabel Sanchez was born in Ensenada Baja California, Mexico. She began working as a group leader at a young age in the mid 80’s in her hometown. In 1998, she moved to Southern California where she continued her career as a successful group leader specializing in the Sonoran Desert, and to a lesser degree, the Mojave Desert. In the fall of 2004, Isabel began leading excursions through San Diego, Calif., the peninsula of Baja California and the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua.

A classic portrait and celebration of the plants, landscapes and history of Baja. Naturalist Ann Zwinger called this book "a delightful narrative of natural history exploration at its best." It's a classic.

Peterson provides an overview of the natural history of the celebrated gray whale, while Hogan, a poet, tackles more philosophical issues in this intriguing series of meditative essays published by National Geographic.

Designed for professional and casual observer alike, this identification guide profiles all US Pacific species of whale, dolphin, porpoise, seal, manatee and sea turtle with images and carefully written descriptions. Winner of a National Outdoor Book Award.

We can't imagine a walk through the deserts and islands of Baja California without this book in hand. With hundreds of color photographs illustrating 715 plants of the region, this superb field guide also includes short introductory chapters on vegetation, geology and climate. This expanded third edition was revised by Jon Rebman, botanist at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

A heartwarming, eco-conscious novel about a young woman and her sixth-sense for ocean wildlife. Benchley’s protagonist, Paloma, discovers a secret ocean animal in a sea full of beauty, danger and adventure. First published in 1983.

Like Steinbeck (from whom she quotes in the title "the very air here is miraculous"), Mayo is enchanted with the land and people of Baja. She writes of a 1,000-mile journey from Cabo to Tijuana with insight, warmth and style.

This personal, culinary exploration of the home cooks, local ingredients and traditional recipes of Mexican cuisine was penned by Diana Kennedy, the "Julia Child of Mexican cooking." Includes more than 300 recipes and stories, rolling out the red carpet for travelers and eager gastronomes alike.

Biologist and director of the Vermilion Sea Field Station Aaron Hirsh recounts his adventures underwater and among the islands of the Sea of Cortez with biologist wife Veronica Volny, historian friend Graham Burnett and students in this series of wondrous essays.

Morning: Independent arrival at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Hotel Circle, San Diego. 12:00 noon Gather in a private room of the hotel to meet your expert leader and fellow participants. An overview of the program, the sites, the logistics, will prepare you for the exciting days to come.

Lunch: Following orientation, get to know your fellow participants with small buffet lunch.

Afternoon: Depart for Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla. Founded in 1903, it is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and earth science research, public service, undergraduate and graduate training in the world. Take part in an introductory lecture on gray whales imparted by a marine biologist. A docent-led visit of the the Birch Aquarium is included in the visit. Enjoy a brief drive in the exclusive La Jolla Village, especially along the famous La Jolla Coves, including famed seal beach.

Dinner: A colorful Mexican restaurant provides the atmosphere for the welcome dinner.

Evening: At leisure

DAY

2

Across the Border

San Quintin, Baja California

B,L,D

Mision Santa Maria

Activity note: WATER AND ICE: In Mexico, purified water and ice will be served throughout the trip, on the bus and in restaurants and hotels.

Breakfast: Private buffet at the hotel in San Diego.

Morning: The quest for the gray whale begins with the drive south through the most-crossed border in the world into Mexico. The first activity is a guided field trip through the modern visual Museo de las Californias in the attractive cultural center CECUT as an introduction to better understand the peninsula. Highway One, the scenic road to Ensenada offers breathtaking views on the Pacific Ocean.

Lunch: Enjoy a home-cooked meal in a private home in Ensenada.

Afternoon: Explore Ensenada. Located on the ample Todos Santos Bay, the city was established by the English in the 1880's becoming today one of Mexico's most important harbors. See the main streets, the "malecón" (boardwalk), and drive by an ex-casino. Continue south to San Vicente to visit a small community museum. Cross one of the peninsula's most important agricultural areas to reach the hotel for the night, situated in front of a wide-open beach in San Quintin.

Dinner: At the hotel in San Quintin based on local products.

Evening: At leisure. May walk along the sandy beach.

DAY

3

The Desert Beautiful

Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur

B,L,D

Halfway Inn

Breakfast: At the hotel in San Quintín. Choice of Mexican and international breakfast dishes served plated.

Morning: Explore the wonders of the desert. The mountainous peninsula is covered by innumerable species of flora, many of which are endemic. Among them, the Cirio (boojum tree), Baja's signature plant, is probably the most notable. Stops are made for nature walks and presentations on the vegetation are given on board the bus. Stop for lunch at Cataviña, located in the middle of the Valle de los Cirios Nature Reserve, Cataviña is surrounded by gigantic granite boulders and unique vegetation.

Lunch: In Cataviña, a choice of Mexican or international dishes.

Afternoon: Arrive at the 28th parallel, where the State of Baja California Sur begins with the city of Guerrero Negro. State line also marks the beginning of the Vizcaino World Biosphere established to protect the Gray Whale Sanctuaries, important rock art sites, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Dinner: At the hotel in Guerrero Negro. Choice of meat, chicken or fish.

DAY

4

Baja's Birds/ Whales Up Close

San Ignacio, Baja California Sur

B,L,D

Desert Inn, San Ignacio

Activity note: Boat rides tend to be cold and wet. Be sure to dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket or waterproof windbreaker.

Breakfast: At the hotel in Guerrreo Negro. Choice of Mexican and international breakfast dishes served plated.

Morning: Begin the day visiting a nature reserve in an enormous salt marsh where birds migrate from Russia, Canada and other countries. Then, take a boat ride among gray whales in Scammon's Lagoon, a gray whale sanctuary in the Vizcaino World Biosphere, to view these giant mammals at arm's length. Each year, gray whales travel approximately 5,000 miles from the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the warm waters of this wildlife refuge to court, mate, give birth and care for their young. On route to the lagoon, learn about the history and process of Baja's salt production.

Lunch: Picnic lunch on the boat while enjoying the tranquility of the lagoon.

Afternoon: Continue to San Ignacio to explore this charming town that developed around an imposing 18th-century mission, still in use today, in the midst of a lush, tranquil palm oasis. Mingle with the local children in a lively folk dancing presentation at the local school.

Dinner: A Mexican dinner is served at the hotel in San Ignacio.

DAY

5

Gray Whales Continued

San Ignacio, Baja California Sur

B,L

Desert Inn, San Ignacio

Activity note: In San Ignacio Lagoon, be able to board small fishing boats from the beach possibly wading into shallow water up to knee high. Do not forget to bring your water shoes and your waterproof gear. A short stretch of the road in graded.

Breakfast: At the hotel in San Ignacio. Choice of Mexican and international breakfast dishes served plated.

Morning: After breakfast, hop into vans for the drive that connects the town to the secluded San Ignacio Lagoon for another adventuresome ride among whales. Part of the drive is on a graded road. Migrating birds can be spotted along the shore.

Lunch: A hot meal is served in a "palapa" (thatched-roof construction) at the lagoon in San Ignacio.

Afternoon: Learn about the whale-counting process and surveillance system in the whale sanctuary before returning to town. Back in San Ignacio, visit the tree-filled "zocalo", the church and enter a home where date bread and pie is made. Enjoy the company of the pleasant host while learning to make flour tortillas by hand to taste with local ranch cheese.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local flair.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

6

Vizcaino Desert Walk / Farewell to the Whales / Fiesta Night

Cataviña, Baja California

B,L,D

Mision Catavina

Breakfast: At the hotel in San Ignacio. Choice of Mexican and international breakfast dishes served plated.

Morning: Return to Guerrero Negro for a THIRD and final encounter with the whales. Every outing is different providing a unique experience.

Lunch: Picnic lunch on the boat while enjoying the tranquility of the lagoon.

Afternoon: Venture further north back into the Central Desert; a combination of sun, sand, gigantic granite boulders, and amusing collages of Boojums, Cardons and Elephant trees make Cataviña a superb desert garden. Due to this setting, nights in Cataviña are memorable.

Evening: Participate in a small Mexican Fiesta which includes a finger food dinner and a taste of tequila. Break a piñata while learning about Mexican traditions and how to choose a good tequila!.

DAY

7

Farewell to the desert

Ensenada, Baja California

B,L,D

Las Rosas Hotel & Spa

Activity note: To visit the small cave with simple rock art in Cataviña, a short steep hike on gravely terrain is required. Participants who can't join, may stay at the base of the hill and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Breakfast: At the hotel in Cataviña. Choice of Mexican and international breakfast dishes.

Morning: Begin the day with a beautiful walk to visit a small cave with simple rock art.

Lunch: In a local restaurant of San Quintin. Meal options: a variety of Mexican and local specialties. Taste a healthy salad prepared with the leaf of the national plant of Mexico: the prickly pear cactus.

Afternoon: Arrive in Ensenada and spend time strolling in the main streets and along the waterfront. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to relax admiring the spectacular view from the ocean-front hotel.

Dinner: The farewell dinner is at the hotel accompanied by the rhythm of crashing waves against the cliffs below.

DAY

8

Home Sweet Home

San Diego, California

B

Activity note: Upon returning to the US, Homeland Security requires that you personally carry all your belongings across the border. It is necessary to stand in line and walk approximately 300 yards.

Breakfast: At the hotel admiring at the Pacific Ocean.

Morning: Drive the final stretch along the beautiful coastal highway. Cross the border back into San Diego. Program ends at the San Diego Airport or at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel located at 595 Hotel Circle Dr. Please do not book flights before 2:00 pm. Independent departures

Meals

20 Meals

7 Breakfasts

7 Lunches

6 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The experience of being so close to these huge creatures is beyond easy description. The experience of actually touching and stoking young wild whales while looking into their eye is an emotional experience unlike any other I have ever had. We saw dozens and dozens of whales near our boat and many others in the distance. Overall this is a unique and wonderful experience.

This is a great program. It is something that relatively few people get to do. There are other whale watching options, but I don't know any where you can actually touch the whales, and the places are still pretty wild. It takes a lot of time to get there and back, but the experience is well worth it.

It was a chance of lifetime to see the whales close up and to touch them! Great experience. The small side trips gave us a better insight of the people and country. Having a local guide gives you so much understanding of the people and customs.

This trip is now number one on the list of things I have done it exceeded all my expectations the group leaders who are were wonderful . Excellent I would highly recommend everybody do this once in their life .

The Whale watching tour in Baja was unbelievable! It is everything they said it would be. Going out in small boats and the whales come up to them in curiosity. You can lean over and pet them and they actually look at you and smile!!!! It is in no way causing danger to the whales. The boats respect the whales. It was fun to see the whales play with us and nudge the boat and rub it to get their barnacles off. Awesome adventure! Marilynn from Meno. Falls wi.

https://youtu.be/zidroxQ9v0c
This video was made by Captain Naaman of Malarrimo Whale Watching Tours at Guerrero Negro, Mexico on this tour arranged by Andiamo Tour Mexico for Road Scholar.
We had absolutely gorgeous weather and fabulous guides, Maria and Jazz. The desert was in full bloom after greater than normal rains before we got there and we encountered an incredible number of whales who were very friendly. All in all, it was a totally awesome experience.

I give this program all 5s! Our leader Maria and her assistant Yasmine were spectacular, the itinerary was amazing, and the 24 participants were interesting and fun. There is no experience to match petting a whale who chooses to interact with you in its natural habitat. On two of the three Whale watching days I was able to pet whales - I was even able to lean over the boat and kiss a whale! Even on the one day of whale watching where we were not approached by a whale we still had a great time. We watched them from a distance frolicking in the water. I learned some Spanish, enjoyed visiting a wide variety of museums, walked the living desert, and visited locals in their homes. Pack your water shoes (pool shoes), and most of the Mexican motels had no coffee makers in the room (and no such thing as decaf coffee), so pack your own if you need it before breakfast. This was an unbelievable journey, I highly recommend it. I traveled with my husband, and there were several married couples, but also many solo travelers who made lots of friends.

I have been on 8 or 9 Road Scholar/Elderhostel trips. This trip and the interaction with the gray whales will forever, I believe, keep this particular Road Scholar at the TOP of my list of favorites. There are no words to adequately describe the phenomena of mama gray whales and their babies being "called" to the boats by the splashing of water by the occupants. They sidle alongside the boats and hold still for their favorite itches to be scratched! They go under the boats gracefully with plenty of room to spare. Looking into the eyes of these gentle giants is like looking into the eyes of God. What is the magnetism that draws them toward us? What has erased the fear after generations of being hunted by whalers? There seems to be fathomless intelligence in them. I would, and do, recommend this trip to all I talk to. Truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This was an absolutely incredible trip! Petting the whales was something I never thought I would be able to do and it was truly awe inspiring. The Mexican people at the lagoons are so protective and caring to the wildlife it really made the whole trip a better one. I hope many, many more people will have this experience!

This program exceeded my expectations. I thought we would see some whales. Instead, each of the 3 days we probably saw 50 gray whales EACH day and of those 50, 20 were within 20 feet of the boat. Of the 22 participants, 21 touched a whale in the wild.

This is a great opportunity to get out with nature and explore a different side of Mexico. The whale trips were above and beyond expectations. Highly recommend this experience with whales, it is unforgettable.

Lots of people watch the gray whale migration from a distance. The Road Scholar trip will put you within splash distance. If you are really lucky, you will be able to touch a whale. Traveling in Baja California can be difficult if done individually. Road Scholar know-how made it a breeze. Our guide (Luka) was absolutely exemplary.

We really enjoyed this tour and got to see plenty of whales close up - we went at the very beginning of February and Scammon's Lagoon had around a 1000 whales at that point, so not at all difficult to find and observe all sorts of whale behavior (other lagoon not so good, around 100 whales and so less going on). I'd have liked to go a little later when the baby whales become more experienced in playing with the screaming bath toy that is your boat. We did perfectly well though, plenty of close encounters with Mamas training baby to play, so not to worry, it was a unique experience and far exceeded any other whale watching I'd done before. One thing that concerned me beforehand was what to take on the boat in terms of clothes and equipment. In retrospect, just sunglasses and your camera is fine, no need for anything else (maybe some candy!). I get cold easily so I dressed in a fleece hoodie over a long-sleeved T shirt, nylon pants, with a fairly waterproof hooded cagoule on top of all and was fine - note though, it was sunny on 2 of the 3 days, and no rain. One other thing - the boats are very bouncy when you are making the fast run out to/back from the actual lagoon area, so be prepared to be jolted about quite a bit and be able to keep a firm grip on the bench seat. It was an exhilarating ride and definitely part of the experience! Once in the viewing area the ride is much calmer, and the boats are very stable. Would do it again for sure!

This was just an all around wonderful trip that exceeded my expectations. Being out among the whales was such an unbelievable experience! Nothing like it. But the rest of the trip was so much fun too - beautiful scenery, great food, lovely accommodations, and interesting side trips. I highly recommend it.

I went on this trip to keep my mom company and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I normally am an independent traveler but I really liked how easy this trip was and that I didn't have to worry about getting food on time, finding hotels or activities. The whales were more special than I expected, the time spent on the water was calming and enjoyable. The other travelers were uniformly interesting, even though, at 55, I was the youngest of the group and the only one still working. Our group leader was amazing, everything ran smoothly, but even better she was an amazing person with good knowledge about the things were seeing and doing and wonderful stories about Mexico.

Amazing, awe-inspiring experience of being close to baby gray whales and their moms. I will never be the same. on the last day on the water, a momma gray spy hopped next to me! The wonder remains with me; my spirit is renewed.

I highly recommend this program. The whale watching is spectacular, but there is so much more and the Road Scholar team really delivers a great value. I learned to appreciate the Baja peninsula botanically, zoologically,and historically.....and met some great people,

If you have ever wanted to touch, pat, stroke and be showered by the exhale of a gray whale in the wild, this is the trip for you! It is an unforgettable experience. Great leaders, wonderful visits to the desert, learning the history, geography, geology of the Baja and experiencing Mexican cultural traditions round out this memorable
tour.

Having grey whales come to the boat to interact with us, and letting us reach down to stroke them was the most profound experience I've had! I've recommended this trip to all my friends since my return and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Everyone should be sure to experience this once-in-a-lifetime interaction with the Baja gray whales. Beth and I also couldn't be more pleased with our guide Hiroshi, the desert tours, and the good company of our fellow tour members.

This was a tremendous trip. Our guide, Hiroshi, was very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. Getting up close to the whales was very exciting! (one more thing I can mark off the "bucket list") The desert walks were very educational and the towns & villages were interesting. All in all, a great trip!

If you're looking for an experience that will truly warm your heart and mind and that you'll never forget, sign up for this trip. It was astounding to me that these huge whales would choose to come up to our boats to connect with us, to let us touch and stroke their heads. A richly informative, well organized program.

This was the first guided travel I've done, and I was delighted to see how much less stressful and more enjoyable it was to have an excellently planned trip. I experienced places and people I wouldn't have otherwise found.

Our first Road Scholar experience with the whales was beyond anything we could have imagined. While we expected to see Gray whales and learn more about them, actually touching them as they approached our boats and looking into their eyes were moments that we did not imagine and hope to never forget. It was lovely to have this experience with other participants who found it as profound and delightful. We enjoyed the Baja landscapes and learning about this desert.

Not only did we get to be with the Gray Whales and their calves three times, but we prepared to appreciate them through the sharing of interesting information and a background history of their existence. It was an amazing experience made all the more pleasureful because the whales seemed eager to be with us.

Are you interested in seeing Gray Whale mothers & calves up close and personal? Interested in driving through some beautiful desert landscapes? Want to experience some great food and stay in nice accommodations located in villages, cities and out in the country? If the answer to these questions is Yes and you don't mind an occasional bumpy ride - this program is for you.

If you have passion for the natural world, animals, and cross species encounters, this trip is an absolute must. It is not whale watching, it is whale encountering. You can't imagine that gray whale mothers would actually bring their babies to you and let you touch them and even rub the baleen in their mouths, after being almost hunted to total extinction, but as incredible as it seems, it happened. We were warned that not everybody gets a close encounter but we were surrounded by friendly mothers and babies. One baby loved to have his face splashed with water and eagerly opened his mouth for us to touch his baleen. Utter magic.

A magical experience, one that I have never encountered before. To actually touch these magnificent creatures and their young babies is a powerful event. The whole trip, led by Luca Rangel, was so thorough from sea to the desert.

The whale watching experience was incredible! The amount of "up close and personal" interaction with these majestic creatures on all three excursions far exceeded my expectations. They are so curious, huge, and yet very gentle. Splendid!
The nature walks in the desert added additional variety to a great program.

I'm surprised that I'm being asked to submit a second review! Why?
The trip was overall very satisfactory, and I earlier gave feedback about extremely poor service for our group while dining (evening and morning) at San Quintin, and the unsatisfactory meal on our first night in San Diego.
Do you cherry-pick the responses that you decide to post? I gave you honest and detailed feedback which can't seem to be found among the "recent feedback" responses you have posted. Why?

We are very thankful for participant feedback, both positive and negative, as it allows us to create the best experiences possible. Road Scholar sincerely thanks you for taking the effort to post your thoughts on this trip, and we apologize for any technical issues which may have prevented the posting of your original review. As a general rule, we wish to assure you that we will not remove a legitimate review, good or bad, as we believe that following-up with the parties involved is the most efficient way to address a situation.

The tour leaders and bus drivers were excellent. I've been whale watching several times before, but never had the experience of touching friendly whales. Truly a bucket list experience. Highly recommended.

The whale watching trip in Baja was amazing! First I discovered that my friend Catherine was awesome to travel with! Then I discovered that Isabel was a fabulous leader and I definitely want to take another trip with her! I also discovered there were other fun people on the trip and we had a great time enjoying ourselves at our various stops and on the bus! All-in-all, a trip that surpassed my hopes and expectations!!

If you have ever thought about going to see the friendly whales of baja, just do it. This trip is not only a never to be forgotten chance to interact with (and yes, pet) the thousands of friendly whales in Guerrero Negro but so much more. It's a short immersion in Mexican culture, history and food. It's comfortable bus travel and very nice hotels. It's walking in the desert, seeing ancient cave paintings, and seeing a middle school dance performance by kids who enjoy old folks. It's a chance to learn from guides who grew up in baja and can share their love of their country. Don't miss this opportunity!